The Law and Film Series presents films chosen for their cinematic and legal value, identifying film resources for possible classroom instructional purposes, as well as for raising general awareness of the connection between law and film. For each of the two nights of film showings, we will present films chosen by the AALS Annual Meeting Film Advisory Committee. There will be brief discussions and commentary in connection with the films.
Reversal of Fortune is a 1990 film adapted from the 1985 book Reversal of Fortune: Inside the von Bülow Case, written by law professor Alan Dershowitz. The film recounts the true story of Claus von Bülow, charged with the attempted murder of his wife, socialite Sunny von Bülow who is in a coma after falling into diabetic shock. He turns to Professor Dershowitz for help with his case. Although initially hesitant to take the case and struggling with questions of von Bülow's guilt or innocence, Professor Dershowitz ultimately does so, seeking legal exoneration for his client with the help of his law students. The film stars Jeremy Irons, Glenn Close, and Ron Silver. Join moderator Professor Christine Corcos for a discussion after the film. The film has a run time of 111 minutes.